Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently inaugurated the Pacific Technical Cooperation Session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which runs from April 7 to April 11, 2025. This momentous occasion marks the first time that CEDAW is convening outside of Geneva, symbolizing a renewed commitment from Pacific nations to actively engage in discussions surrounding women’s rights and gender equality.
During the opening remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized the pivotal role of women, stating, “Our mothers and grandmothers have been the backbone of our communities,” acknowledging their contributions across various societal sectors. The session gathers leaders, policymakers, and advocates who share a common goal of addressing gender inequalities within the region.
Nahla Haidar, the Chair of the CEDAW Committee, praised the session as a historic milestone. She expressed her excitement, noting, “This is the first-ever regional technical cooperation session of a UN treaty body, and it is a crucial step toward bringing us closer to the communities.” She additionally pointed out the need to reconcile cultural practices with women’s rights, highlighting the challenges societies face in granting equality under the guise of tradition.
Baron Waqa, Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, echoed the sentiment that gender equality is essential for sustainable development and progress in the Pacific. Key issues to be addressed during the week-long event include the high rates of gender-based violence, with two-thirds of women in the Pacific reporting experiences of violence, double the global average. Furthermore, discussions will focus on the underrepresentation of women in political positions, where they comprise only 8% of parliamentary seats.
This session presents a crucial opportunity for Pacific nations to not only showcase their achievements in advancing women’s rights but also to address ongoing challenges. The collaborative approach promises to strengthen national efforts for gender equality and build momentum for future initiatives.
As the Pacific embraces its role in shaping global dialogues on women’s rights, there is hope that the outcomes of this session will lead to meaningful changes that empower women and girls across the region, reinforcing the call for equality and justice in all spheres of life.
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